Christianity started from Jesus Christ and takes its roots from Judaism. It quite amazes me on how Christianity became a worldwide phenomenon which was suppressed by Romans post Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. Ironically the Romans were instrumental in spreading this. God’s plan has his own ways and 2000 years post Jesus, this faith has reached to every nook and corner of the earth. It took lot of sacrifices, study, documenting, apostolic missions and prayers because of which what it is today.

My focus is on how Christianity, specifically Roman Catholicism spread in Tamil Nadu and the main players instrumental in this. Of course Tamil Nadu has the second largest Christian population in India and there is a reason to why it is.

One of Jesus’ 12 disciples, Thomas came to India in the year 52 AD. St. Thomas arrived in Kerala and the first Christians in India were from Kerala. Later he came to Chennai to continue his mission where he was killed by people who were against his teachings. The body is buried in what is today “Santhome Basilica” in Chennai. St. Thomas Christians are the first denomination Christians in India which still thrive in Kerala.

Chennai hosts 3 distinct places in remembrance of St. Thomas:

· Santhome Basilica – Thomas is buried here and a church was raised over his tomb

· Little Mount (Saidapet) – Thomas used to preach here at the cave inside hillock

· St. Thomas Mount – Hill where Thomas hid while he was being chased and was killed

Around 3rd century, East Syriac settlers (predominantly from Persia or modern Iran, Syria, Lebanon) came into India who proclaimed Christianity. Note that Syriac is a language similar to Aramaic which Jesus spoke. Roman Catholicism did not surface until around mid 4th century after Roman Emperor Constantine made it as an official religion. The earliest Christians in India came directly from the discipleship of St. Thomas or the Eastern Orthodox churches (Greece, Turkey, Syria, Armenia etc.). After the advent of Roman Catholicism, Christian missionaries in India drastically changed & increased its presence.

Jordanus Catalani, a Dominican priest from the south of France, travelled to India in 1316, and stayed there for the rest of his life. He was the first European to bring Catholic mission in India. He arrived in Surat (Gujarat) in 1320. After his ministry in Gujarat, he reached Quilon (Kollam, Kerala) and selected it as the best centre for his future work. He was appointed a bishop while in Kollam in 1328 and nominated by Pope John XXII. The diocese of Kollam was the first Roman Catholic diocese and the only one in the whole of India.

Jordanus was a great scholar with particular interests in Indian tradition and diversity. He wrote the “Mirabilia Descripta”, considered as a detailed account of India in the fourteenth century by a foreigner. In this work he gave the best account of Indian regions, products, climate, manners, customs, fauna and flora given by any European. This is considered superior even to Marco Polo's writings on India.

Though Jordanus was the first Catholic missionary the mission did not spread much and was confined to places in Kerala. It was only when Portuguese entered India in the late 15th century and 16th century which witnessed a phenomenal growth in Catholicism.

The Portuguese found new trade opportunities (spices, pearl etc.) in India, specifically Goa, Cochin and later coastal Tamil Nadu. Along with pioneer Portuguese long-distance maritime travellers that reached the Malabar Coast in the late 15th century, came Portuguese missionaries who made contact with the St. Thomas Christians in Kerala. At that time most Christians in Kerala were following Orthodox practices and under the jurisdiction of Church of the East (Orthodox Church). Catholics were very sparse during this time. The missionaries sought to introduce the Latin liturgical rites (Roman Catholic Church) among them and unify East Syriac Christians in India under the Pope.

The missionaries of the different orders (Franciscans, Dominicans, Jesuits etc.) flocked out with the conquerors, and began at once to build churches along the coastal districts where the Portuguese power made itself felt. Among the different congregations who spread Catholicism, Jesuit missionaries played a significant role around the world. Under the founder St. Ignatius of Loyola’s instructions the evangelisation in India took up great momentum.

As trade flourished with Portuguese, Christianity also grew in India. The Portuguese government supported the propagation of Roman Catholicism around their settlements in India. Missionaries used to arrive in Goa later travel down to Cochin from where they entered coastal Tamil Nadu. The Christian population was very miniscule in India even though Jesus’ disciple Thomas came in. Post 1500 AD the numbers started growing especially in Goa Mumbai, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Tamil Nadu has the second highest Christian population in India after Kerala. Though a minority, it constitutes more than 6% of the entire population of Tamil Nadu. Among the Christians, more than 60% follow Roman Catholic Latin Rites. The spread of Catholicism from the coastal regions to the interior Tamil Nadu has been inspiring.

Mass conversion to Christianity of coastal people in Tamil Nadu took place in the 1530’s. During these times the Moors (Arabs) settled in Kayalpattinam (a coastal village near Tuticorin) took undue advantage of the fishermen from Kanyakumari to Rameswaram who thrived on fishing and pearl harvesting. In order to bring the Moors under control fishermen from these villages joined hands and met the Portuguese high command stationed in Cochin. The Portuguese offered to fight against the Moors and take control of the coastal Tamil Nadu. The residents accepted this proposal and also agreed to accept Christianity (Catholicism).

Though there were several thousands who accepted Christianity they did not have any clear guidelines nor knew the customs to be followed in churches. It was after St. Francis Xavier’s visit in 1542 that changed the direction of Catholics. Subsequent visit by many Jesuit priests over a span of 200+ years saw Catholicism moving deeper into Tamil Nadu. I am listing down some of the Jesuit priests who have made a significant impact in Tamil Nadu.

It all started with this Spanish Jesuit Priest who was a colleague of the founder of Society of Jesus congregation, St. Ignatius of Loyola. In 1542, Xavier was commissioned by Ignatius to travel to India. With the support of Portuguese sailors and army he landed at Goa (then capital of Portuguese India). After a brief stay in Goa and baptising many he moved to Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu. He spent more than 3 years in coastal Tamil Nadu preaching by which thousands adopted Roman Catholicism. Though Tamil Nadu had St. Thomas’ burial place in Mylapore (again part of Portuguese India) influence of Christianity was very minimal. It was Xavier who scripted a new path in bringing Christianity to this part of India.

Today the spread of Roman Catholicism to many towns and villages in coastal Tamil Nadu starting from Kanyakumari till Rameswaram is attributed to Xavier’s mission. This was the first major step in the spread of Christianity in Tamil Nadu. People from regions such as Kanyakumari, Nagercoil, Tuticorin, Uvari, Manappad, Vembar, Ramanathapuram etc. adopted Catholicism which is evident with their beautiful and large churches along the coastline.

Spending 3 years in coastal Tamil Nadu, Francis Xavier was instrumental in spreading Catholicism as well as helped build several churches. His preaching and miracles that were performed with the locals was accepted in Vatican and in 1622 he was venerated as Saint. St. Francis Xavier is revered today in all the churches in this 300 km coastline.

After his mission in India (Goa & Tamil Nadu), Xavier moved to China and later Japan. He died due to sickness in China in the year 1552. His uncorrupted body still lies in Goa’s “Basilica of Born Jesus” church. Today St. Xavier’s college in several places in India (Mumbai, Calcutta, Tirunelveli and many) are a reminder of the wonderful work carried out by this Jesuit priest. Christianity today remembers St. Francis Xavier’s work as a great missionary second only to St. Paul (apostle) who influenced many countries during first century.

Fr. Criminalie as he is fondly called was an Italian Jesuit priest. He came to Tamil Nadu in the year 1544 under the supervision of Francis Xavier. He started his mission in Kanyakumari and later covered all coastal villages until he reached Vedhalai near Rameswaram. Considering his good work Francis Xavier appointed him superior over other priests during those times in the coastal areas.

His work for around 4 years in Tamil Nadu has been highly regarded. Francis Xavier was clearly impressed with Criminalie and had written about his good work to Ignatius in Europe. As a superior, Fr. Criminalie gave instructions to other priests on running the mission and was a capable leader. Criminalie settled down in Vedhalai near Rameswaram and continued his mission. 

During this time Portuguese soldiers were stationed at Vedhalai captained by Correa. Vedhalai acted as a check post for Portuguese to keep watch over the ship movement in the Gulf of Mannar. Correa had a feud with the local Hindus there which escalated into a big violence. The Hindus were not just against the Portuguese soldiers but also the local Christians around that place. Fr. Criminalie tried to de-escalate the violence but to no avail. Captain Correa asked Fr. Criminalie to escape with them out of Rameswaram to which Criminalie refused. Criminalie insisted on protecting the people of Vedhalai.

In 1549 the resulting battle took many lives and Fr. Criminalie who was trying to help was stuck by a spear. The spear plunged into his chest killing him instantly. He was only 29 at this time. Fr. Criminalie is the first Jesuit to be martyred in India and also the second Christian martyr in India after St. Thomas in Chennai.

Henriques was a Portuguese Jesuit priest and missionary who spent most of his life in missionary activities in Tamil Nadu. Following the footsteps of his predecessors Fr Xavier and Fr. Criminalie, Fr. Henriques arrived in Goa and in 1557 subsequently moved to coastal Tamil Nadu (Tuticorin).

He mastered Tamil and is considered to be the first European Tamil scholar. He believed that books of religious doctrines should be in the local language which in his case was Tamil. His interest in Tamil language made Tamil the first non-European language to be printed as a book. Apart from being the first to produce a Tamil - Portuguese Dictionary, he set up the first Tamil press and printed books in Tamil script. The printing technology was until then limited to Europe which was brought to India.

The first such book printed in Tamil script was “Thambiran Vanakkam” in 1578, a 16-page translation of the Portuguese "Doctrina Christam", printed at Kollam (Kerala). He is sometimes called The Father of the Tamil Press. It was followed by “Kirisithiyaani Vanakkam” in 1579. These were works of catechism, containing the basic prayers of Catholicism. His mission spread Catholicism to many of the coastal villages in Tamil Nadu.

Fr. Henriques died in 1600 in Tuticorin. His body is cremated within the famous Snows Basilica in Tuticorin.

De Nobili was born to an Italian noble family. He became a Jesuit priest, and was sent to India. Similar to previous Jesuit priests he too landed in Goa in 1605. After a short stay in Cochin he moved to Madurai in Tamil Nadu in 1606. De Nobili did not arrive at Coastal Tamil Nadu and instead moved to interior regions and chose Madurai. His mission was spread in and around Madurai.

Fr. De Nobili’s mannerism was very unique compared to other missionaries. He not just mastered Tamil but also learnt Sanskrit. He studied Hindu Vedas and quickly adopted some of the Hindu practices. He bathed often, wore a sanyasi dress (saffron dress), quit eating non-vegetarian and carried a stick and jug like Hindu hermits. He spread Catholicism around Madurai and holds a unique place in Tamil Nadu due to his Tamil affluence.

De Nobili spent the rest of his life living as an ascetic in the manner of the Hindu holy men. Nobili was the head of the Madurai mission which would later bring in many Jesuit priests and play a significant role in spreading Christianity in Tamil Nadu. Fr. Roberto De Nobili died in Mylapore, Chennai in the year 1656.

Born in 1610 in Aldeia Nova, Portugal, Costa entered the Society of Jesus on 20 June 1627, in Lisbon. After studying Latin and Philosophy in Coimbra, he sailed for Goa on 13 April 1635. After Goa his destination was obviously Tamil Nadu. Costa first landed in coastal Tamil Nadu along the lines of St. Francis Xavier. Records indicate he was the priest of villages such as Vembar near Tuticorin. He received the call from Madurai mission headquartered at Madurai.

Costa eventually moved to Madurai working under the guidance of Roberto De Nobili. On July 4, 1640, Costa left for Karur (interior Tamil Nadu) from Madurai, where his superiors asked him to carry on the mission. Baltasar’s mission was slightly different from Nobili's teaching and he wanted Christianity to enter into all segments irrespective of caste. He was not concerned with the upper or lower castes rather focused on spreading Christ’s good news to everyone. He too picked up the sanyasi dress but was different from Nobili as he took up the dress of Pantaram (Saiva priest). He learnt Tamil in fact became a scholar, followed Tamil practices and lived a simple life depicting a hermit.

Costa's mission gains significance due to the presence of Nayaka rulers in interior Tamil Nadu during that time. They were directly reporting to the Vijayanagara empire in present Karnataka. Costa shattered all bounds of caste in his mission. Costa's mission is highly regarded as being very complicated due to his reach into interiors of Tamil Nadu when caste really mattered. 

Being a Tamil scholar Costa wrote a grammar book of the Tamil language, which is preserved in Central Library, Panjim (Goa). Costa’s role ended when he died during a voyage back to India in 1673 as the head of a new group of missionaries destined for Madurai.

John De Britto was born in Lisbon, Portugal in an aristocratic family. He joined the Jesuits in 1662 AD and became a priest the same year. He was sent to India as a missionary and landed in Madurai, Tamil Nadu in 1673. His work greatly influenced regions beyond Madurai especially Ramanathapuram, Sivaganga and Madurai.

Fr. Britto learnt Tamil and similar to Nobili he too wore a saffron dress portraying as a Hindu Sanyasi. He abstained from non-vegetarian food and alcohol. He renamed himself “Arulanandhar”, a Tamil name. Around 1684 he was imprisoned by the local rulers who were not happy with his mission. He was later released and sent back to Portugal in 1687. Despite the problems in India he insisted on returning to the same land. His request was granted and Britto was back in Madurai in 1690.

One of the local prince started believing in Fr. Britto and developed a great faith in Jesus Christ. Since the prince had several wives he was instructed by Britto to forego all but one. The prince took a tough decision and dismissed all and retained only one. Among the dismissed wives, one of them was a niece to the local king of Ramnad (Ramanathapuram) Sethupathi. Sethupathi got outrageous because of this prince’s decision. In 1693 the king got Fr. Britto arrested and took him for execution to Oriyur (60 kms from Ramnad). At Oriyur he was beheaded and killed thus becoming the third Christian martyr of India (after St. Thomas & Antonie Criminalie).

Today Oriyur has a big church in remembrance of St. John De Britto (a famous landmark). An important observation is that the sand at the place where Fr. Britto was beheaded has turned red since that day. Even today it is still red in color and there are numerous testimonies proving this sand to be miraculous which has cured many diseases. Fr. John De Britto was venerated as a saint by Vatican in the year 1947.

One of the famous Jesuit in Tamil Nadu is Fr. Beschi. An Italian by birth Fr. Beschi became a Jesuit priest in 1698. He too was asked to go to India and took the contemporary route which his predecessors took. Fr. Beschi reached Goa from Portugal and immediately came to Madurai, Tamil Nadu in 1711.

Similar to St. Britto and Fr. Nobili he embraced saffron sanyasi dress. He learnt Tamil and was so inclined towards this language that he converted the Tirukural into Latin. His literary work in Tamil has brought him a great fame among the Tamil scholars. Due to his attire and expertise in Tamil he is mentioned as Veeramamunivar (Great Saint). Tamil Nadu government recognises his contribution to Tamil literature and a statue is erected at the famous Marina Beach in Chennai.

Fr. Beschi’s mission was spread across many places in Tamil Nadu. He travelled to many places such as Madurai, Thanjavur, Ramanathapuram, Tirunelveli, Tiruchirapalli, Tuticorin and many more. He was influential with his simple life style and taught about Jesus to all people irrespective of the caste in Tamil Nadu. He has been instrumental in setting up some of the famous Catholic churches which are present today in Tamil Nadu. Some of the churches which are now pilgrim centres are:

· Poondi Madha Basilica, Thanjavur

· Vyagula Madha church, Thanjavur

· Periyanayagi Madha Shrine, Konankuppam (near Ulundurpet)

· Adaikala Madha Shrine, Elakurichi, Thiruvaiyaru

Apart from the churches he also became very famous Jesuit priest in Tamil Nadu for his Tamil literary work. Some of the notable works are:

ü Translating Tirukural into Latin – This was an eye opener for Europeans who were mesmerised by the poet Valluvar and also the language Tamil

ü Translation of Tamil literatures Devaram, Thirupugazh, Nanool and Aathichoodi

ü He wrote a grammar rule book for the common use of Tamil

ü Most famous of his Tamil literature has been “Thembavani” which is a collection of tamil poems

The penetration of Roman Catholicism into such a big state as Tamil Nadu is truly marvelous. All this was possible due to the efforts of many missionaries and catholic scholars from Europe. In particular the role of Jesuits is very significant. These Jesuits can be equated to the great explorers such as Vasco Da Gama, Christopher Columbus, Marco Polo and many. It’s hard to imagine the long and turbulent journey which they took through the seas for weeks and months together.

As an alumnus of the prestigious Loyola College Chennai, I am happy to have presented the contribution of Jesuits in Tamil Nadu. Jesuits did not only spread Catholicism but were instrumental in setting up several premier educational institutions in Tamil Nadu and rest of India. Loyola College, Chennai, St. Joseph’s college, Trichy, St. Xavier’s college, Tirunelveli, Arulanandhar college, Madurai are some of the pioneering institutions in the state. 

Of course there are many other players who have played their role in bringing Christianity to Tamil Nadu. Apart from Jesuits there have been missionaries from other congregations. I have just picked up some of the important ones following the European mission. Roman Catholicism in India came through missionaries from Portugal, France, Spain and Italy. Protestantism came to India by many from Germany, Netherlands (Dutch) and England who had already converted as Protestants after Martin Luther.

Altogether Christianity has had an interesting journey within India in the last 2000 years. Thank you, God Bless Everyone.

- ANTON NIRESH